Interest in hydraulic conductivity of soils and waste contaminant transport has increased substantially in recent years, largely due to environmental concerns. Assessments of potential contamination at a site are possible only if accurate information is available concerning the hydraulic conductivity of subsoils.

STP 1142 provides this information, including detailed coverage of methods for determining the hydraulic conductivity of soil in the laboratory and in the field. This publication describes testing methods, test results, and case histories. Applications include water, chemical, and leachate movement through soil.

28 peer-reviewed papers cover:

• Methods for determining hydraulic conductivity of saturated soils in the laboratory

• Waste-soil interactions that can alter hydraulic conductivity

• Assessment of hydraulic conductivity in unsaturated soils, including laboratory and field methods for evaluating hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soils

• In-situ hydraulic conductivity tests for compacted soil liners and caps.

• Hydraulic conductivity testing for vertical cutoff walls, including procedures dealing with potential testing errors.

• Methods for determining the hydraulic conductivity of natural geologic deposits

• Effects of environmental stresses such as freeze-thaw

• Specialized problems in hydraulic conductivity testing, such as electrokinetic coupling, influence of distortion in the soils, and measuring the hydraulic conductivity of bentonites.